Baby Doll
Seen it?1956 | 114 min | Drama
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It collected a shelf of major awards, it earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest, despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 54 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1956: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Archie Lee Meighan is a failing cotton gin owner who is married to Baby Doll, a 19-year old childlike beauty whose father arranged the marriage for financial reasons. As Archie awaits the arrival of Baby Doll's 20th birthday, the day that they are supposed to consummate their marriage, he faces interference from business rival Silva Vacarro, who plots to seduce Baby Doll away from Meighan.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesSolid
7.0 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 2 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Director, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress – Drama. Won 1 BAFTA: BAFTA Awards: Best Black-and-White Cinematography. Also nominated for 4 Oscars, 3 more Golden Globes and 3 more BAFTAs.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$5 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 89K people sought it out in the past year, and interest is climbing
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Elia Kazan
- Karl MaldenArchie Lee Meighan
- Carroll BakerBaby Doll Meighan
- Eli WallachSilva Vacarro
- Mildred DunnockAunt Rose Comfort
- Lonny ChapmanRock
- Eades HogueTown Marshal
- Noah WilliamsonDeputy
- R.G. ArmstrongTownsman Sid (voice) (uncredited)
- Madeleine SherwoodNurse in Doctor's Office (uncredited)
- Rip TornThe Dentist (uncredited)